Linotype-machine.



PATENTED FEB. 17,1903.

L. L. KENNEDY. LINOTYPE' MACHINE.

APPLICATION rump OCT. 21, 1902.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

N0 MODEL.

vyuawboz wi/bne aoaa PATENTED FEB. 17, 1903.

L. L. KENNEDY. LINOTYPE MACHINE.

APPLIGATION FILED 00121, 1002.

2 SHEETS-SHEET Z.

w wrm UNITED STATES LUTHER L. KENNEDY, OF BROOKLYN,

NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO MERGEN- THALER LINOTYPE COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

LlNOTYPE-MACHINE.

$PEQIFIGATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 720,817, dated February 17, 1903.

Application filed October 21, 1902.

To all whom, zit may concern:

Be it known that I, LUTH R L. KENNEDY, of Brooklyn, county of Kings, and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Linotype-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improvement in the distributing mechanism of the Morgenthaler linotype-machine as heretofore constructed and represented in Letters Patent of the United States No. 436,531. The distributer (a fixed bar) is provided along its lower edge in varying combinations with horizontal teeth adapted to enter and engage toothed notches in the upper ends of the matrices, which are carried along the bar in succession by the threads of horizontal feed-screws, each matrix being held in suspension and carried forward along the bar by the screws until it arrives over its appropriate channel in the magazine,whereupon its teeth disengage from those in the bar and it falls past the screws into the magazine. There are usually three feed-screws, two at the upper end and one at 2 5 the lower end of the traveling matrices. hen

the mechanism is driven at high speed, the released matrices, falling past the lower screw, willsometimesbe engagedtherebyand thrown sidewise from their proper path, so that they do not fall quickly and properly in to the magazine. This is more especially the case when large matrices with thick bodies are used, so that they nearly fill the upper ends of the channels in entering them.

The object of my invention is to prevent this interference of the lower feed-screw with the falling matrices; and to this end it consists, essentially, in locating a fixed longitudinal guard below and adjacent to the active 0 side of the screw, so that it tends to throw or to keep the passing matrix out of engagement with the screw.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical cross-section on the line 1 1, Fig. 3,

5 through the distributor of the Mergenthaler linotype-machine with my improvement embodied therein, a matrix being shown in the position in which it travels along the bar. Fig. 2 is a similar View showing the position of the matrix after it has been released and as it passes the lower screw. Fig. 3 is a side $erial No. 128,148. No model.)

elevation of the parts shown in the foregoing figure.

Referring to the drawings, A represents the fixed horizontal distributer-bar, having its lower edge of V form provided with longitudinal series of teeth, varying in number or combination over the dilierent channels of the magazine.

B represents one of the matrices, having its upper end notched and toothed to engage the lower end of the bar that it may be suspended therefrom while traveling along over the mouth of the magazine to its appropriate channel therein. The matrices are formed, as shown, with outwardly-projecting ears at the upper and lower ends on both edges.

0 and O represent two horizontal feedscrews lying adjacent to the opposite sides of the distributor-bar in position to engage the upper ears of the matrices and slide them along the bar.

C represents the third feed-screw, located under the screw 0 and in position to engage the forward ears at the lower ends of the matrices. It will be observed that when the matrix arrives over its appropriate channel in the magazine, so that it is released by the disengagement of its teeth from those of the distributor-bar, it will be free to fall out of engagement with'the upper screws and past the lower screw into the magazine below.

D represents the mouth or entrance to the magazine, having its upper end divided by partition-plates into a series of throats or channels, through which the matrices descend by gravity into the corresponding channels in the body of the magazine.

The foregoing parts are constructed and operate in the ordinary manner. It will sometimes occur that the falling matrix after disengaging from the screws will come in contact with and rengage the lower screw 0 This is more particularly true as to the upper ear of the matrix. The effect of this engagement is to deflect the matrix or change its course, so that it will fall into the magazine at an improper point or lodge in the mouth of the magazine and fail to descend instantly, as required, out of the path of the traveling IOQ matrices which remain on the bar. To avoid this difficulty I provide a guard or fender E,

n &

located under the front active side of the screw 0 in such position that it will tend to throw or hold the descending matrix back edgewise away from the screw O-in other words, the guard serves to prevent the matrices in passing the lower screw from falling or being thrown into engagement therewith. The result is that the matrices are caused to fall directly and speedily into the entrance of the magazine. In most cases the matrices willfall(lirectlypasttheguard. Ifbychance the lower ear strikes the guard, the effect is to trip the matrix backward edgewise and give it such inclination that it will fall and slide speedily downward in the manner required. In the form shown the guard E consists of a single plate of sheet metal secured to the magazine entrance and having its upper edge curled or bent upward, as shown, so as to lie close to the forward under side of the screw.

It is manifest that the form of the guard and the manner of supporting the same may be varied at will without materially changing its mode of action or passing beyond the scope of my invention, the only essential requirement being that the guard should be so formed and located as to prevent the lower screw from displacing the falling matrices.

Having described my invention, What I claim is 1. In a matrix-distributing mechanism, the

combination of a toothed distributer bar adapted to sustain the matrices, upper and lower feed-screws to advance the matrices along said bar, and a guard or fender to prevent the rengagement of the falling matrices with the lower screw.

2. In a linotype-distributer, the combination of the toothed distributer-bar, the upper and lower feed-screws to engage the matrices, and a guard or fender arranged under the operative side of the lower feed-screw to deflect the falling matrices therefrom.

3. In a linotype-machine, the combination of the distributer-bar, upper and lower feedscrews', a magazine, and a guard or fender E consisting of a plate underlying the lower feed-screw and having its upper edge bent toward the screw substantially as described.

4. As a new article of manufacture, the guard or fender for a linotype distributing mechanism, consisting of a plate adapted for application adjacent to the lower feed-screw to prevent the engagement of the falling matrices therewith.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand, this 3d day of October, 1902, in the presence of two attesting witnesses.

LUTHER L. KENNEDY.

Witnesses:

R. M. BEDELL, GEORGE H. JONES. 

